Early
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]
denotes "daybreak, dawn" (cp. Lat. orior, "to rise"). Used with the adverb batheos, "deeply," in Luke 24:1 , it means "at early dawn" (RV). In John 8:2 it is used in the genitive case, orthrou, "at dawn," i.e., "early in the morning." In Acts 5:21 , it is used with the article and preceded by the preposition hupo, "under, or about," lit., "about the dawn," "about daybreak," RV (for AV, "early in the morning.").
"early," akin to A., is a later form of orthrios. It is found, in the most authentic mss., in Luke 24:22 , of the women at the sepulchre, lit., "early ones" (some texts have the form orthrios, "at daybreak").
or proimos, a longer and later form of prois, pertaining to the "morning," is formed from pro, "before" (cp. protos, "first"), and used in James 5:7 , of the early rain.
"early in the day, at morn," is derived from pro, "before" (see B, No. 2, above). In Mark 16:2 , AV, it is translated "early in the morning;" in Mark 16:9; John 18:28; 20:1 , "early;" in Matthew 16:3; 20:1; 21:18; Mark 1:35; 11:20; 13:35; 15:1 , "in the morning;" in Acts 28:23 , "(from) morning." See Morning.
Matthew 20:1
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types [2]
There are several meanings applied to this word and this action.
We shall list them and give just a few Scriptures under each one, for the reader can readily notice by the context which meaning is intended.
Early In Life - Psalm 90:14 (a).
Early In The Day - John 20:1 (a); Judges 7:3 and Judges 19:9; 2 Kings 6:15; Psalm 57:8; 1 Samuel 17:20.
Early In The Project - Psalm 46:5; Psalm 63:1; Psalm 78:34; Psalm 101:8.
Early In The Distress And Need - Proverbs 1:28 (a); Proverbs 8:17; Isaiah 26:9; Hosea 5:15; Psalm 78:34.
King James Dictionary [3]
Early a. er'ly. Eng.ere.
1. In advance of something else prior in time forward as early fruit, that is, fruit that comes to maturity before other fruit early growth early manhood early old age or decrepitude, that is, premature old age. So an early spring an early harvest. 2. First being at the beginning as early dawn. 3. Being in good season as, the court met at an early hour.
EARLY, adv. er'ly. Soon in good season betimes as, rise early come early begin early to instill into children principles of piety.
Those who seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8
Webster's Dictionary [4]
(1): ( adv.) Soon; in good season; seasonably; betimes; as, come early.
(2): ( adv.) In advance of the usual or appointed time; in good season; prior in time; among or near the first; - opposed to late; as, the early bird; an early spring; early fruit.
(3): ( adv.) Coming in the first part of a period of time, or among the first of successive acts, events, etc.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [5]
ûr´li ( ὄρθρος , órthros , and related words; πρωΐ́ , prōı́ ): The word generally refers to the day, and means the hour of dawn or soon after ( Genesis 19:2; 2 Chronicles 36:15; Hosea 6:4; Luke 24:22 ). Sometimes it refers to the beginning of the season, e.g. the early rain ( Psalm 84:6; James 5:7; see Rain ). It may also have the sense of "speedily" ( Psalm 46:5 ). The early morning is frequently commended as the hour for prayer. See examples of Jesus ( Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2 ); also Abraham ( Genesis 19:27 ), Jacob ( Genesis 28:18 ), Gideon ( Judges 6:38 ), Samuel ( 1 Samuel 15:12 ), David ( 1 Samuel 17:20 ).
